Maury Gallagher

Maurice "Maury" John Gallagher, 73, of Postville, IA, died October 29, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family. No services are planned at this time; a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, IA, is handling arrangements.

Maurice John Gallagher was born July 20, 1947, in Waukon, IA, the son of Vernon and Frances (Larkin) Gallagher and was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In 1965, he graduated from St. Patrick High School in Waukon and then in 1967, Maury enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Maury married Lorraine Smith in 1968, and they have two daughters.

He began his twenty-seven year career as an airman recruit and rose through the ranks to become a Commander in the Navy, serving on the USS Midway and the USS America. Although Maury's time in the service took him to exotic ports of call, he loved nothing better than to be at home with family and spend time "back home" in Allamakee County, hunting for artifacts and fishing.

After retirement, Maury and Lorraine returned to Allamakee County, where they began constructing their log home on the site of the "Old Stone House". They spent many hours restoring the stone walls that were present on the original property. Maury always enjoyed being outdoors, whether he was mowing his yard, hiking through the hills, cutting up firewood for his neighbors, or hunting for the ever elusive 30-point buck. He was also well known for his love of college football, basketball, and wrestling, most importantly the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Maury was passionate about documenting and honoring the military veterans of Allamakee County; collecting and writing their stories for the Waukon Standard and compiling these stories in a book he authored, titled "Veterans from the Heartland". His devotion to veterans led to his involvement with the Veteran's Memorial that was constructed on the Allamakee County Courthouse lawn.

He is survived by his wife Lorraine of rural Postville; two daughters: Julie and Gwen; grandchildren: Natani, Tyler, Joe, and Jalina; sisters: Theresa, Mary (Mark)Verthein, Martha (Dale) Day, Monica (Kenny) McGeough; brothers: Mike (the late Ann Althoff), Danny (Renay), Paul (Carolyn); and many nieces and nephews.

Maury was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Patrick and David; and nephew Troy Gallagher.